By james art 
Photos by Mary O’KEEFE
On Thursday, October 17, the Crescenta Valley Armenian Community Center and the Meher and Satig Der Ohanessian Youth Center have a long history of supporting emergency services.
By Mary O’KEEFE
Members of the Crescenta Valley Armenian Community Center have served lunch to local firefighters, donated funds to support law enforcement and the fire department, and for more than a decade have supported the Glendale Fire Department’s holiday toy drive.
The center is also very supportive of the community as a whole. During the pandemic, Center members supported the community by organizing, collecting donations, creating food packages and distributing them to those in need. But beyond the food, they also offered guidance on filling out unemployment insurance, mortgage support and rent deferrals, and guiding small businesses through the red tape associated with the pandemic.
On Thursday, members of the Center honored emergency responders along with Los Angeles Fifth District Chief Kathryn Barger.
“I know I’m biased because I’m in the fifth district, but I represent the best departments in the entire county,” Barger said. She added that the county and Glendale emergency services are working together and thanked them for their service.
Barger then took time to share his support for Proposition 36.
“[If it passes] it’s actually going to allow us to address what’s going on in our community as it relates to drug abuse, and hopefully as it progresses we can get people the help they need,” she said .
Barger voted against during a meeting of supervisors on a motion asking the Board to oppose Proposition 36. [See her statement on page 5.]
She then turned her attention to honoring members of the Glendale Police Department.
“Under the leadership of Chief Manny Seed, the Glendale Police Department has made significant strides in resources and community engagement. The core unit has contributed to addressing quality of life issues in Montrose – Crescenta [Valley] area by working closely with residents and business associations,” she said.
Los Angeles County’s Crescenta Valley Station was also recognized.
“Crescenta Valley Station has made a tremendous impact through their proactive approach to community safety,” Barger said. “Each year I am proud to fund the Sheriff’s Department’s Summer Teams, which are dedicated to serving unincorporated areas during the very busy summer season by addressing quality of life issues, solving crimes, establishing positive relationships with community groups and much more . “
The Glendale and Los Angeles County Fire Departments were also recognized for their service to the community.
“Glendale Fire Station 29, located on Honolulu Avenue, is known for its dedication to not only responding to emergencies, but also participating in community events to educate and engage residents of all ages,” Barger said.
Then it was LACoFD’s turn to be recognized.
“The individuals who are [being honored] are assigned to Fire Station 63, which serves the unincorporated community of La Crescenta. The experience and teamwork of this team is critical to responding to emergencies and providing vital support during very difficult situations,” she said.
She pointed out that Captain Brown, who had worked at Station 63 for more than four years, was a military reserve officer in the US Air Force and had just returned from a month-long deployment to Japan with his unit.
Barger also thanked members of the Center for their support of the community and the Veterans of American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614 who attended the event.
She told audience members to feel free to approach her for any need in the community.
In addition to Barger’s office presenting a certificate of recognition to these emergency responders, the Center gave each a medal that was designated for them for the event.
